ANA reportedly seeking to merge Pacific operations with United and Continental

All Nippon Airways (ANA) reportedly plans to integrate its Japan-US passenger operations with Star Alliance partners, United Airlines and Continental Airlines (Nikkei, 03-Dec-2009). The carriers plan to establish sections within one another's companies that would work together like a single company, to strengthen and expand the existing ANA-United codeshare agreement. ANA is expected to apply for antitrust immunity for its Pacific operations with its Star Alliance partners following the conclusion of the Japan-US open skies agreement.